Back Pain
This is an increasing problem in western countries, with as many as eight in ten people suffering from backache at least some of the time. Most people will not have any serious damage to their spine and the pain comes from the muscles, ligaments and joints. However, having said this there is a huge array of causes of back pain. These range from problems in the bony lumbar spine, discs between the vertebrae, ligaments around the spine and discs, spinal cord and nerves as well as muscles of the low back, internal organs of the pelvis and abdomen, and the skin covering the lumbar area. Pains in the upper back can also be as a result of disorders of the aorta (major blood vessel), chest tumors, and inflammation of spine, as well as muscular and joint problems.
The spine is arguably the most important structure of the body, it provides support for the pelvis, legs, ribcage, arms and head (see article on The Spine) As a result, any problems with the spine can cause pain in other areas of the body, termed “referred pain”. This can sometimes be the first sign of any spinal problem and if it occurs with an unexplained cause and persists, it is important that you seek advice.
As discussed above there are many possible causes of back pain, however, below is a list of the more common causes:
Arthritis - osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis (inflammation within the spine) are both linked to back problems.
Muscle and ligament strains - weak muscles and ligaments are unprepared for sudden, heavy or unaccustomed activity are often injured. But more commonly bad posture over a prolonged time can trouble soft tissue.
Osteoporosis - vertebral fracture due to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease characterised by thinning of the bones, which leaves the bones prone to fracture.
Sciatica – impingement of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back into the leg, can become compressed by a variety of structures.
Stress - one of the side effects of stress is increased muscle tension, which can lead to fatiguing of the tissues, causing localised pain. If not addressed, persistent tight muscles can create postural imbalances that may cause structural changes throughout the body.
Most cases of pain in the back are often brought on by lifestyle factors, including; lack of exercise, being overweight, leading a sedentary life, poor posture, stress, bad work practices - all of which an osteopath can advise on.
The first step to manage the pain in your back is to rule out the possibility of any serious medical problem. Osteopaths are commonly known as specialists in this field; however, osteopaths are trained to treat all areas of the body, including internal organs. This gives them the knowledge to deal with this ever increasing problem effectively.
To find an osteopath in your area, please follow the link below:
Back Pain
The spine is arguably the most important structure of the body, it provides support for the pelvis, legs, ribcage, arms and head (see article on The Spine) As a result, any problems with the spine can cause pain in other areas of the body, termed “referred pain”. This can sometimes be the first sign of any spinal problem and if it occurs with an unexplained cause and persists, it is important that you seek advice.
As discussed above there are many possible causes of back pain, however, below is a list of the more common causes:
Arthritis - osteoarthritis and ankylosing spondylitis (inflammation within the spine) are both linked to back problems.
Muscle and ligament strains - weak muscles and ligaments are unprepared for sudden, heavy or unaccustomed activity are often injured. But more commonly bad posture over a prolonged time can trouble soft tissue.
Osteoporosis - vertebral fracture due to osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease characterised by thinning of the bones, which leaves the bones prone to fracture.
Sciatica – impingement of the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back into the leg, can become compressed by a variety of structures.
Stress - one of the side effects of stress is increased muscle tension, which can lead to fatiguing of the tissues, causing localised pain. If not addressed, persistent tight muscles can create postural imbalances that may cause structural changes throughout the body.
Most cases of pain in the back are often brought on by lifestyle factors, including; lack of exercise, being overweight, leading a sedentary life, poor posture, stress, bad work practices - all of which an osteopath can advise on.
The first step to manage the pain in your back is to rule out the possibility of any serious medical problem. Osteopaths are commonly known as specialists in this field; however, osteopaths are trained to treat all areas of the body, including internal organs. This gives them the knowledge to deal with this ever increasing problem effectively.
To find an osteopath in your area, please follow the link below:
Back Pain
